Cycling
in Cave in Lazio in Italy

Rome, a city with a history dating back more than 3000 years, is also called ?la cittą eterna? (the etnernal city). No other city in the world has a wealth of treasures such as that of Rome. Walking across the city, through Mediaeval lanes and across stylish squares, you will see monuments everywhere. It is like one big open air museum, in which arts and archeological treasures from a range of periods can be seen.

What makes Rome so extraordinary, is that the historic places and unique spots are all within walking distance. Be amazed at how much there is to see within a square kilometre! If your exploration starts at Centro Storico (the historic heart of Rome), you immediately come across sights such as the Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona. Please note that many museums are closed on Mondays! To avoid disappointment, it?s wise to check opening times beforehand.

Think of Rome, and you automatically think of the Vatican, a separate state within Rome. Don?t forget to visit this site! The world famous Vatican - covering an area of just 44 hectares ? is home to the St. Peter?s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums, and of course the Pope.

It is impossible to see all this in one weekend, so don?t forget to just ?taste? the city. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, take a seat and enjoy the Italian cuisine or a wonderful cappuccino at one of Rome?s wonderful outdoor cafes. While you rest, you can enjoy the street scenery, watching the fashionable Romans meeting up on the square.

If you enjoy soaking up some culture, then visit Lazio. This region has plenty of cultural history to offer, with Rome being the highlight. You will also find Etruscan remains in the north, such as the towns of Viterbo, Tarquinia, and Necropoli.

Around Rome you will find stunning country houses built by wealthy Romans, some of which you can still visit today. Tivoli is known for its Roman villas ? visit the fabulous (fountain) gardens of Villa d?Este and the extensive estate of Villa Adriana, the country house of Emperor Hadrian. Both are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Lazio is wedged in between the coast and the Apennine Mountains, among green vineyard-covered slopes and historic towns and villages. A comparison with Tuscany is often made, but this region is relatively unknown and less crowded.

In addition, Lazio is a volcanic region with four old volcanoes and the volcanic lakes of Bracciano, Bolsena, and Albano, offering opportunities for the water sports enthusiasts. It also has 10 fabulous golf courses for even more leisure activities.

Here, you can combine a visit to Rome with a relaxing holiday on the coast, because the west coast has many miles of sandy beaches and rocky coastline. Especially around Rome, the coast may not be the most attractive, however, such as near Ostia. The finest beaches are near the national park of Circeo ? such as those of Sperlonga.

Thanks to the combination of its mild climate, lakes, many (sports) activities, beautiful scenery, and rich culture, this region is a very attractive holiday destination.